FONT

SHARE THIS

MORE STORIES

Got the reporting bug? Apply for our high school internship

Pamplin Media Group and Metro launch a paid internship for Portland-area high school journalists.

Are you a high school journalist who enjoys interviewing people and writing stories about important community issues? Do you enjoy taking photos? Are you interested in helping diversify newsrooms?

Pamplin Media Group, through a partnership with Metro, is offering three part-time, paid summer internships to high school journalists in the Portland metro region. The interns will receive mentorship and training from professional journalists and Portland Tribune/Pamplin Media Group staff.

The program aims to elevate and amplify the voices of students from historically underrepresented communities. Students of color, low-income students and members of other underrepresented groups are eligible to apply.

Application packets must be received by May 15, 2019.

What would the internship entail?

The three interns will work closely with an internship coordinator, a professional journalist who will serve as their editor and mentor, as well as other Portland Tribune/Pamplin Media Group staff. Student interns will report and produce stories independently and potentially work with each other on stories and projects. Students with skills in photography and/or radio are also encouraged to apply.

Work created by the students would be published in the Portland Tribune or other Pamplin newspapers and websites, online at Metro News and potentially in other media outlets.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be at least 16 years old by June 17, 2019.

Applicants need to have some previous journalism experience, whether it's taking a journalism class or writing for a school publication. Students with experience reporting, conducting interviews, writing journalism stories, taking photos and other similar skills are eligible.

Students also need to have an interest in potentially pursuing journalism after high school. High school seniors graduating in spring 2019 are eligible to apply.

Applicants chosen for the internship will need to pass a criminal background check, a drug and alcohol test, complete several forms for the Pamplin Media Group Human Resources office, and verify eligibility to work in the United States.

What is the commitment?

Interns will need to be available for orientation and training June 17 and 18, 2019.

The students will work with the internship coordinator to schedule the remainder of their summer schedule. Depending on school responsibilities, interns can work between 18-40 hours a week, for a minimum of 150 hours and maximum of 200 hours total through August 16, 2019. They will need to meet face-to-face at least once a week with the internship coordinator.

Students will be employed by Pamplin Media Group and will have access to the Portland Tribune newsroom as well as photography, audio and computer equipment. They will also be able to work out of the University of Oregon's White Stag Building, which is accessible via MAX or bus.

Is this a paid internship?

Yes, student interns will earn $13/hour.

Do I get a job at the conclusion of the internship?

No, this is an internship only. No jobs will be offered at the conclusion of the internship.

How do I apply?

• Up to six clips (work samples) of stories and/or photos that demonstrate your skills in storytelling, either through words or photos;

• Personal statement of up to 500 words describing yourself and why you're interested in journalism;

• Short essay of up to 500 words: This innovative partnership aims to elevate and amplify the voices of high school journalists from historically marginalized groups, such as communities of color, low-income families and other groups. Describe how your background and personal lived experience would contribute to newsroom diversity and improve reporting and coverage; and

• Recommendation letter from teacher or mentor who can comment on your experience and potential in journalism as well as your maturity and ability to work independently.

To apply, mail the application packet to:

John Schrag

Pamplin Media Group

6605 S.E. Lake Road

Portland 97222

or

Email the application packet to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please put "High School internship" in the subject line.